'81 Laredo Tailgate Problems

[cellz]

I have taken my back window out of my jeep so that I could drop the tailgate(motor burnt out and no key to doors or tailgate)All the parts seem to be there, but I have to use my tow strap to hook each latch on both sides to upen the tailgate. I have the handle, but can not figure out what to hook up so that I can use the handle instead of reaching down in the window track to open. The Chilton book does not explain this feature. Just shows a diagram with 200 parts in the tailgate. I'll try again tonight when I get off work, but it'd be nice to have some direction.

[88gwag]

the inside release lever, the chrome thing is attached to a flat arm that is attached to pivots which in turn trip the latches. the arms and the release lever can be removed by unscrewing the philips head screws space about 2"apart in the upper corners of the gate.its easier to do with the rubber"wiper" weatherstripping removed, but that job is a PITA.its easy to removebut often the 20 year old clips get destroyed in the process. any way once the arms are out, lube and work the stiffness out of the pivots. they should be floppy not stiff. 2 points, why do you think the motor is toast? a locksmith could prolly make you a set of keys for less than you could swap in new locks for. id try applying direct power to the motor. good luck

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andyd